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MAKING UP THE MISSED DAYS

Those who are too old to fast, as well as the chronically ill, are permitted to break their fast, for fasting would place too much hardship on them. However, they must feed one poor person for each day that they did not fast. If those who were traveling or had another excuse die befor

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DAYS WHEN FASTING IS FORBIDDEN

All scholars agree that fasting on the two ‘Iyds (‘Iyd al-Fitr and ‘Iyd al-Adha) is forbidden. It does not matter if the fast is obligatory or voluntary. Fasting voluntarily on Friday exclusively is disliked. If one fasts on the day before or after it, if it is a day

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VOLUNTARY FASTS

The Messenger exhorted Muslims to fast on the following days: six days of Shawwal; Muharram 10 (‘Ashura) and the days immediately preceding and following it; most of Sha’ban (the month preceding Ramadan); every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday during the sacred months (Dhu&#

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THE PREDAWN MEAL AND BREAKING THE FAST

Having a predawn meal between the middle of the night and dawn is sunna (recommended). It is considered best to delay it so that it will be eaten as close to dawn as possible. Those who are fasting should hasten to break the fast when the sun has set and, just before eating, make the

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THE ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS OF FASTING

Making the proper intention to fast the month of Ramadan is required. Preferably, this intention should be made before dawn and during every night of Ramadan. However, it is valid if made during any part of the night and can even be made as late as noon if one forgot to make it before

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AVOIDING UNBEFITTING ACTIONS

Fasting, a type of worship for drawing closer to God, was ordered to purify the soul and train it in good deeds. Those who are fasting must guard against any act that might cancel the benefits of their fast. Thus, their fast will increase their personal God-consciousness and piety. Fa

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BEING GENEROUS AND DOING OTHER MERITORIOUS ACTS

Being generous, studying the Qur’an, and supplicating to God are recommended at all times, but are especially stressed during Ramadan. During the last 10 days of Ramadan, God’s Messenger would wake his wives during the night and then, remaining apart from them, engage in a

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PERMITTED ACTS

Pouring water over oneself and submerging oneself in water. Applying kohl, eye-drops, or anything else to the eyes. Kissing, provided that one has self-control. Rinsing the mouth and nose, without swallowing any water. Tasting a liquid, food, or something else that one wants to buy. H

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FORBIDDEN ACTS REQUIRING A MAKE-UP DAY

Eating due to a mistake or coercion. Swallowing the blood more than the saliva with which it is mixed and the taste of which one feels. Swallowing more than a few drops of tears and sweat the taste of which one feels. Removing from the mouth anything edible that remains between the te

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